As Xi Jinping embarked on his first overseas trip overseas as China's president, much of the attention back home was on his wife, Peng Liyuan. Here, Mr. Xi and Ms. Peng waved after arriving at an airport outside Moscow on March 22.

As Xi Jinping embarked on his first overseas trip overseas as China's president, much of the attention back home was on his wife, Peng Liyuan. Here, Mr. Xi and Ms. Peng waved after arriving at an airport outside Moscow on March 22.

Chinese social media buzzed about the navy blue outfit Ms. Peng wore as she stepped off the plane in Russia. Netizens welcomed her international debut, which was a clear departure from the low profiles of her predecessors.

Chinese social media buzzed about the navy blue outfit Ms. Peng wore as she stepped off the plane in Russia. Netizens welcomed her international debut, which was a clear departure from the low profiles of her predecessors.

Many political analysts and diplomats expect Ms. Peng will bolster and soften her husband's image by becoming the first wife of a Communist Chinese leader to play a role similar to that of a U.S. first lady. Here, the couple arrived at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on March 24.

Many political analysts and diplomats expect Ms. Peng will bolster and soften her husband's image by becoming the first wife of a Communist Chinese leader to play a role similar to that of a U.S. first lady. Here, the couple arrived at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on March 24.

The enthusiasm for Ms. Peng comes during a government frugality campaign launched by Mr. Xi in December. From left to right, Tanzanian First Lady Salma Kikwete, Mr. Xi, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Ms. Peng at State House in Dar es Salaam on March 24.

The enthusiasm for Ms. Peng comes during a government frugality campaign launched by Mr. Xi in December. From left to right, Tanzanian First Lady Salma Kikwete, Mr. Xi, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Ms. Peng at State House in Dar es Salaam on March 24.